Hennessy hero Native River in full flow

Champion jockey Richard Johnson won a first Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury aboard Native River.

Trained by the white-hot Colin Tizzard, the 7-2 favourite showed heart and courage to claim success in one of the highlights of the National Hunt season.

Native River was always prominent in the three-and-a-quarter-mile handicap, before he was sent on his way to the front five out.

Double Ross firstly emerged a worthy foe, and fleetingly had things under control at the next fence.

But Johnson was not having any of it and cajoled his mount for another thrust of energy which saw Native River regain the lead at the last.

With the eventual winner beginning to tire, Carole's Destrier suddenly emerged from the pack as a live threat.

The 25-1 outsider would probably have won within a few more strides, but Native River kept strong when it mattered to score by half a length.

Double Ross was an honourable third, with Hadrian's Approach finishing fourth.

Johnson said: "It's always nice to win one you haven't before.

"He's a fantastic horse and Colin and his team are in amazing form.

"I'd knew he'd pick up again, although turning in I was a bit worried I wasn't going that well.

"But he's one of those - the more you ask, the more he gives.

"You ride horses day in, day out, and the big Saturday ones are the ones that make it worthwhile."

Tizzard, who earlier saw Thistlecrack maintain his unbeaten record over fences, said of Native River: "Everything was right for him - it was a big race.

"Richard said that when he went clear and the other one (Carole's Destrier) got to him, he went again, which is the sign of a good horse.

"It's a brilliant day again."

On his recent headline-making string of big results, the Dorset handler added: "We don't try to make it happen, we let it happen and that's what you've got to do.

"I have to put the handbrake on myself.

"We've got good facilities now, and that's what you've got to have."

Tizzard was keen to highlight Native River's jumping prowess as a main factor behind his Hennessy triumph.

The trainer, who later secured a treble on the card when Ultragold (9-2) claimed the bet365 Handicap Chase, added: "We expected a big run, but I can't believe it.

"He travelled better than he ever has and jumped beautifully."